The tiny town of Apalachicola- or "Apalach", as it's known by locals- sits at the confluence of river and sea on the Forgotten Coast along Florida's panhandle, 60 miles east of Panama City. Moss-draped oaks line wide streets and shade stately Victorian houses, and the surrounding waters produce top- notch seafood, including shrimp, blue crab, and 90 percent of Florida's oysters. With its vibrant 200-year-old histor y and rich maritime heritage, the hamlet offers boaters an authentic taste of old Florida culture, and the National Trust for Historic Preser vation recently chose it as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola resonates with the sights and sounds of a bygone era. The steamboats and schooners may have disappeared, but the town retains a working waterfront, bustling with weatherworn shrimp and oyster boats, now buttressed with an array of fine restaurants, museums and boutiques.

Today, the maritime town features an eclectic mix of old and new, with more than 900 turn-of-the-century homes and buildings alongside luxury waterfront accommodations. One thing that hasn’t changed is the area’s bountiful natural resources. The Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay provide great fishing opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater species. Lovers of the outdoors can explore the endless bays and waterways by kayak, canoe, sailboat and powerboat.

Scipio Creek Marina (850-653-8030, scipiocreekmarina.com) is Florida’s largest marina facility and is located within walking distance of the historic district’s shops and attractions. Family-owned, it offers a friendly atmosphere and prides itself on providing visitors with whatever they need to enjoy their stay.

Water Street Hotel & Marina (850-653-3700, waterstreethotel.com) is a new destination in Apalachicola
with 30 suites designed in an Old Florida spirit. Conveniences include a 20-slip marina, a pool, meeting facilities and screened porches on the water. It’s located four blocks from the Apalachicola waterfront.

What to do

The Dixie Theatre
The 1912 Dixie Theatre (21 Ave. E, 850-653-3200), lovingly restored in 1997, now hosts first-run movies and live performances January through March.

Kayak
Kayak the forgotten coast to discover the area's marine life and coastal birds. Apalachicola Bay produces 90 percent of Florida's oysters and is the last place in the United States where wild oysters are still harvested by tongs from small boats.

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